2 [transitive]to use time for a particular purpose; to pass timespend something + adv./prep.We spent the weekend in Paris.How do you spend your spare time?Her childhood was spent in Italy.spend something on somethingHow long did you spend on your homework?spend something doing somethingI spend too much time watching television.I’ve spent years trying to learn Japanese.spend something in doing somethingMost of her life was spent in caring for others.

3 [transitive,often passive]to use energy, effort, etc., especially until it has all been usedspend something on somethingShe spends too much effort on things that don't matter.spend itselfThe storm had finally spent itself.see alsospent

Word OriginOld Englishspendan, from Latinexpendere

‘pay out’

; partly also a shortening of obsolete dispend, from Latindispendere

‘pay out’

.Extra examplesThe company spent a lot on advertising.Try to be objective if you want to spend your money wisely.Try to spend your money wisely.the amount of money spent per studentHe had grown used to spending freely, without worrying about the consequences.I’ve spent all my money already.I’ve spent years trying to learn Japanese.Idioms